Psilocybin From Mushrooms May Reduce Depression Symptoms In People With Cancer

• Scientists have found that psilocybin, a compound in mushrooms, may provide relief from depression in individuals with cancer.
  
  
• It's important to note that psilocybin doesn't treat cancer itself, but it can positively impact the emotional well-being and outlook of cancer patients.
  
  
• However, it's worth mentioning that psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I drug by the federal government and has not received approval for clinical use from federal authorities.

A recent study suggests that mushrooms, particularly those containing psilocybin, may have more therapeutic potential than previously thought. This study, published in the Cancer Journal, reveals that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain types of mushrooms, could be beneficial for people undergoing cancer treatment and dealing with depression.

During a phase two clinical trial, participants who received psilocybin therapy reported experiencing reduced depression symptoms and spoke positively about their therapy experience.

Psilocybin affects mood, perception, and cognition through its interaction with specific serotonin receptors in the brain. Despite its potential, it's currently classified as a controlled substance by EU authorities, indicating restrictions on its use.

However, the study's authors noted that several randomised controlled trials have demonstrated the safety and potential effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy, which combines psilocybin with support from trained therapists, particularly in treating major depressive disorder. Furthermore, ongoing research is exploring psilocybin's potential in addressing various mental health conditions like addiction, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Details From The Psilocybin Mushroom Study

A recent study focused on adults dealing with both cancer and depression. In this trial, 30 participants were given a 25 mg dose of synthesised psilocybin, group therapy, and individual sessions with therapists at Sunstone Therapies in Rockville, Maryland.

What set this study apart was its group approach. Groups of three to four patients were treated simultaneously with 25 mg of psilocybin in separate rooms, each having a therapist dedicated to them. These groups received preparation for therapy and had integration sessions together after the psilocybin session.

At the beginning of the study, participants had moderate to severe depression scores. However, eight weeks later, the research team observed a remarkable improvement. On average, their depression severity scores decreased by 19 points, indicating that most of them were no longer experiencing depression.

The treatment had a lasting positive effect on 80% of the participants, and half showed complete remission of depressive symptoms within a week of the eight-week treatment. Some participants reported mild side effects like headaches and nausea.

One of the study's authors emphasised the potential significance of these findings, especially for cancer patients dealing with both the physical and psychological aspects of the disease. While this was a small, open-label study, and more research is needed, it holds promise for improving the well-being of countless cancer patients struggling with the emotional impact of their condition.

What Study Participants Thought Of The Psilocybin Clinical Trial

A second study, led by another researcher, involved participant interviews. Most of them had positive experiences and felt that being part of a group helped ease their fears and better prepared them for therapy.

Participants mentioned that being connected to the group deepened their experience and increased their compassion for each other. Both group and individual therapy sessions had unique benefits, providing intimacy and togetherness simultaneously.

The participants' significant improvement and healing after the trial encouraged the researchers. They emphasised the importance of the structured setting in which psilocybin-assisted therapy occurred.

However, more studies with larger participant groups and comparisons to other treatments or placebos are still needed to understand its effects better.

Experts Discuss Mushrooms’ Effects On The Brain.

Doctors are still in the process of understanding how psychedelics impact the brain. Altered states of consciousness can assist patients in confronting and processing challenging emotions linked to their illness. Under the proper guidance, this can lead to reframing their condition or finding peace. Psychedelics may promote neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to establish new connections and modify its response to stress and negative feelings.

It's important to note that psilocybin doesn't directly treat cancer but can potentially help by rewiring neural networks. It can shift one's perspective on life and death, fostering spiritual peace and acceptance.

However, there are drawbacks. Much remains unknown about how these substances work and their effects, which carries inherent risks. Furthermore, using them to "open our mind and heart" requires expert therapists and support. Without proper guidance, individuals may experience anxiety, panic, confusion, high blood pressure, and cardiac side effects. Long-term effects are also uncertain.

How Psilocybin Can Help People With Cancer

While there's no evidence that psilocybin directly treats cancer, it has shown promise in addressing the depression and hopelessness often associated with cancer. Research, including Roland Griffiths' original work at John Hopkins University, suggests that a single dose of psilocybin can significantly reduce depression and anxiety in cancer patients nearing the end of life.

This positive effect is attributed to how psilocybin is administered in a safe environment with proper therapeutic support. It provides patients with a profound sense of unity, increased feelings of safety, and a connection to something greater than themselves. It reaffirms their sense of self beyond their illness, offering hope and reinforcing their beliefs.

Psilocybin can help individuals separate their identity from the labels associated with their illness, restoring hope and alleviating feelings of depression and anxiety, which can ultimately contribute to improved well-being. While it's challenging to determine whether psilocybin extends life, it certainly helps patients live a better quality of life with the time they have.

Some Cautions About Mushrooms And Psilocybin

Researchers find psilocybin effective in clinical trials because it can promote cognitive and neural flexibility. Psilocybin can soften rigid thinking patterns and fears, making group and individual therapy more impactful since individuals become more open to change while under its influence.

Some individuals may have spiritual experiences with psilocybin, which can lead to a shift in their worldview, increased peace, and reduced depressive symptoms. This shift can be particularly significant for cancer patients who often grapple with a fear of death.

However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Psilocybin has been known to induce mania or psychosis in some cases, making it challenging to predict how individuals will react. Additionally, there are ethical concerns surrounding the commercialisation and medicalisation of psilocybin, which has been regarded as a sacred sacrament by indigenous cultures for centuries.

If you require assistance, you can seek consultation with Mobi Doctor for professional medical guidance and support.